JP2001312012A - Automatic processing method for photograph in photographic laboratory, processing system and program for having automatic processing method executed by computer as well as computer program product - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a photographic laboratory to meet the special desire or instruction of a customer or photographic shop by providing high customer order processing ability. SOLUTION: The method for processing photographs in the photographic laboratory by the photographic processing system includes a step or receiving the customer orders including at least one photographic images and the processing information respectively assigned to the customer orders, a step of controlling the processing of the customer orders in accordance with the assigned processing information, a step of checking each of the processing information in order to check whether the processing information is automatically processed or not by the processing system and a step of identifying the customer orders to be processed in accordance with the processing information which cannot be automatically processed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present application is directed to European Patent Application No. EP-A-0 520, filed on February 3, 2000, entitled "Automatic Processing of Photos in a Photographic Laboratory". 00102348.0
Claim profits. The disclosure of this application is incorporated herein by reference. The present invention relates to a method for processing photographs in a photographic lab. The invention further relates to a processing system for processing photographs, a program for implementing the method of the invention, and a computer program product comprising a program for performing the method of the invention.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a photographer takes a picture (image) with a camera. In this way the photographer captures the image information,
The image information is stored on a suitable storage medium, for example, on a film in a conventional camera, or on a digital storage device (for example, a floppy disk) in a digital camera. The photographer then takes the storage medium (eg, film) to a photo shop (peripheral organization). Photo shops collect the storage media of several customers (eg, film in film cartridges, electronic storage units of digital cameras, etc.) and provide special processing preferences (eg, photographic print formats, prints). Paper type,
Number of prints for each photo (image), digitized image on CD
, Etc.), processing information is added.

In addition, the customer's name is written, and usually an individual order number is assigned to a so-called order or customer order, which comprises, for example, an enclosed film cartridge and a work envelope containing work instructions or processing information. In addition, the photo shop requests special processing information, for example,
A photo lab might add a request to add one or more special promotional items to a working envelope. In this way, a plurality of "customer orders" are collected at the edge of the photo shop.

There are a plurality of photo shops, each of which collects a plurality of customer orders. Each photo shop sends customer orders to a photo lab (centralized organization). In this photo lab, according to the order processing information (for example, notes, barcodes, etc.)
Each order is processed by processing the customer order (eg, film) of the order. For example, in the prior art (EP
0 952 487), the photo lab performs the following process for customer orders.

[0005] For example, a customer order containing a work envelope of a photo shop, a film cartridge in the work envelope, and processing information is received.・ Removal of the film cartridge from the work envelope, including a memo stating the customer address, etc., pulling out the exposure film from the enclosed material in the cartridge, and marking the work envelope and the exposure film with an appropriate work code (for example, a bar code). Combine the differently ordered films so marked, provide a bundle (batch) of film negatives, develop the combined bundle of films, thus obtaining a bundle of negatives, The series arranged in the batch, wherein the different parts of the bundle belong to different customer orders and thus belong to different processing information Distinguish the prints of each customer order by printing the truth on a web of photographic paper and adding a working code (eg, a barcode) to the prints where different parts of the batch belong to different customer orders and indicate the corresponding negatives Cut the negatives of each customer order into film sections, these film sections contain a large number of images according to the number of pictures determined in the processing information belonging to the same customer order and print each customer one by one from the web of prints A flexible pocket-type envelope suitable for cutting the prints of the order and stacking those prints to form a stack of prints related to this customer order, with the negative sections and print stacks specified in the same customer order (Wallet), specified in the customer order, promotion coupons and mini albums Add an appendix such as a floppy disk / CD to a pocket-type envelope or wallet specified in the same customer order, close the pocket-type envelope and place it in a working envelope (specified in the same customer order), working envelope Close and apply the price label corresponding to the processed customer order, send the working envelope and the processed customer order back to the store from which it was sent to send to the customer.

All of the above processes represent examples of processes for customer orders within the scope of the present invention. The above process may be performed automatically by the processing equipment, semi-automatically with the aid of the operator, or manually by the operator.

[0007]

As a rule, photo labs serve a wide area, including many photo shops, so many orders (up to 10,000 orders per day).
Must be equipped to handle (handle) This is the component used (print format,
To standardize envelopes, etc.)
Only possible by a high degree of automation in the lab itself. The disadvantage of this standardization is that the individual wishes or information of the customer may not be met.

[0008] On the other hand, if a photo lab is designed to meet the various needs of customers, that is, to realize various kinds of processing information, the photo lab must have a huge number of different processing devices. These devices must automatically fill individual orders. However, since individual orders are rarely desired,
Special processing equipment assigned to carry out the process according to these individual wishes or instructions is rarely used and therefore unprofitable. In addition, the individual desires of the customer can change with the trend.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for processing customer orders in a photo lab that provides high customer order processing capabilities and allows the photo lab to fulfill the special wishes or instructions of the customer or photo shop. To provide. Further, there is provided a processing system for a photographic lab that serves this purpose. Finally, a program for implementing the method of the invention and a program product comprising this program are also provided.

[0010]

The above objects are solved by the subject-matter of the individual claims. The dependent claims are directed to advantageous embodiments.

According to the present invention, a customer order, such as an order via a film cartridge, a digital camera memory, or the Internet, is received by a processing system provided in a photo lab. Such a processing system may include a plurality of processing devices. For example, processing equipment may include a splicer to join the films together to achieve a film batch, a printer to print photos on photographic paper, a developer to develop photographic film, a film web or print A workstation or computer that receives digital photographic data along with a cutter for cutting the web, a packaging device for packing items, eg, prints, into wallets or work envelopes, and a processing order via a network, eg, LAN or the Internet. It may be.

[0012] The processing system may further comprise transport means, in particular a transport belt on which the pallets are transported. The processing system may include an appendix supply means for supplying an appendix, such as a CD or mini-album, to a pallet on a conveyor. The processing device is a workstation for digitally processing image data, a laser printer for printing image data, a digital micromirror device or a normal printer, or a work for transmitting processed image data to a photo shop. A station may be provided. In this case, the photographic or image data is received over a network, and the customer order is a block of digital data that includes digital image data representing a photograph taken by the customer and a digital header for the digital image data representing processing information. These may both represent customer orders.

The customer order comprises a film cartridge and a designated processing order. The processing information defines how to process the film cartridge. As noted above, the film in the cartridge is associated with the working envelope and film cartridge at the beginning of processing. During processing, the status of the customer order changes, the film is developed, and the print is added to the customer order. Further, other components (appendices) such as CDs and wallets may be added to the customer order.

The processing system of the present invention can perform all types of processing commonly performed in a photo lab, or can perform only a portion of this processing according to the present invention. In particular, the processing system handles all types of processing, from unpacking the work envelope received in the photo lab, reading the order attached to the work envelope, to packing the final processed customer order into a package. A device may be included. The processing system of the present invention may be limited to a part of the process.

In particular, the processing system may be limited to cutting print webs and film webs, and sorting and final packaging of developed films and prints. If the processing system of the present invention is limited, for example, to this part of the process, the customer order is received, for example, in the form of a print web or film web. Furthermore, the processing information has already been digitized and received at the digital controller (computer) of the processing system. The digital controller may be a workstation or a computer that controls the processing units of the processing system.

Before or immediately after input to one or each of the processing units of the processing system according to the invention, the components of the customer order, ie film sections and / or print sections / envelopes, etc. Preferably, a matchcode is assigned.
This is done so that the components of the customer order can be specified relative to one another for special processing equipment. The matching operation itself can be accomplished by a centralized computer that coordinates the respective processing of customer orders according to respective designated processing information, for example, instructions provided by the customer and / or photo shop.

Typically, processing of customer orders is organized in a sequence of processing steps. To control the processing, the controller can, for example, monitor at which processing step each customer order is present. For example, if the customer order includes digitized image data, digital data processing control is performed by incorporating a photographic processing program into the overall control program. If the customer order includes conventional films and prints, and thus the customer order is processed physically, rather than digitally, by providing a mark (eg, a bar code) on the print (web of print) or film edge Typically, the physical components of the customer order are marked (work codes). These marks are read by a detector to monitor the position of customer orders (prints, film sections) in a processing system and / or to control processing.

The control means of the processing system may be organized centrally or distributed. If the control means is centralized, it is preferred to identify the customer order and its position in the processing sequence and to send this information to the central processing means. According to the processing information or instructions assigned to the customer order, the control means controls the processing unit of the processing system based on this information to execute the next processing step for the special customer order. Preferably, there is storage means for storing the processing information, and the storage means is accessed by the control means.

If the control means are distributed and organized, preferably each processing unit of the processing system has its own controller. The controller checks for marks on the customer order (eg, web of prints) that the processor must process. In this case, the marks may additionally include instructions which are read by the controller of the processing device. The controller of the processing device controls the processing device to execute the instruction. For example,
The instructions may describe the format in which the print web must be cut, ie, the format of each single print. Finally, a central controller may cooperate and communicate with the distributed controllers.

The processing system described above has the disadvantage that it can only process customer orders according to a number of predetermined instructions which may be automatically executed by the equipment of the processing system. Thus, only these customer orders can be supplied to the processing system, the sequence of which follows predetermined instructions.

A major advantage of the processing system of the present invention is that it accepts customer orders along with processing information that limits instructions that cannot be automatically processed by the processing system. Even if some of the indications of the processing information cannot be processed automatically by the processing system, ie without the help of the operator, continuous processing of customer orders is still possible in this way.

This advantage is achieved by checking each piece of processing information to determine whether the processing information can be automatically processed by the processing system. The check may be performed by the control means of the processing system.
In the present application, the term "automatically process" means that customer orders can be processed without the assistance of an operator, ie automatically by a processing device. Examples of "automatically processing" include automatically packing prints in envelopes by bagging machines without operator assistance,
Alternatively, the print may be cut by an automatic cutting machine instead of manually by an operator. Thus, automatic processing can be performed without operator assistance (eg,
(E.g., by processing system equipment or machine).

Preferably, the processing information check is enclosed with the processing information, as described in further detail below,
This is done by analyzing the instructions contained and the processing tasks implied by those instructions.

According to the present invention, the processing information is assigned to its corresponding customer order based on the check, and therefore cannot be (fully) automatically processed by the customer in the processing system to be processed according to the processing information. It is possible to identify the order. This allows the processing system to accept these customer orders because these customer orders can be processed differently than other customer orders because they are identified as not automatically processable. .

For example, if an order that cannot be processed automatically is identified, a warning signal may be issued to identify the customer order, which may implement at least one of the following processes or processes. In this manner, customer orders can be separated from the processing line and processed by an operator, customer orders can be automatically separated and transported to a processing site where they can be processed semi-automatically or manually. , Semi-automatically or manually may be accompanied by a label describing the instructions to be processed.

In summary, checking processing information for automatic processing possibilities and identifying orders that cannot be processed automatically allows the semi-automatic or manual processing of these units to be integrated in the automatic processing of the remaining orders. .

A particular advantage of the present invention is that the automatic processing capability can be used as much as possible or to an appropriate degree if at least one indication of the processing information can be processed automatically.

For example, if the processing information includes instructions that can be automatically processed with respect to the format of the print, and thus includes cutting the print web, but includes special instructions regarding the attachment of an appendix to the customer order, many parts of the order are automatically processed. it can. The prints can be processed and cut into the desired format, and the cut prints and corresponding film portions can be supplied to a pallet assigned to the order and transported on a conveyor. further,
An appendix can be added to another tray on the pallet. However, if the pallet arrives at the bagging machine, which is also part of the processing system, the bagging machine cannot automatically pack the appendix into the envelope.

The processing system of the present invention solves this problem. Because the processing system checks the information or instructions and recognizes that the addition of the appendix creates a situation where the bagger cannot automatically fill all the parts of the customer order into the envelope. The processing system, for example, identifies customer orders at this stage of the process, including pallets and print / film portions / appendices. This identification allows for different processing of the identified customer order.
For example, an identified pallet is transported to the packaging site,
The film and print appendix may then be placed in a suitable envelope by the operator. After packing the package (envelope), re-supply the package to the automatic processing line,
The automated processing line transports the package (envelope) to a shipping station.

In addition, the (empty) pallets are separated from the customer order and re-supplied to the conveyor belt for reuse in the processing system, ie, the pallets contain other prints and film appendixes of different customer orders. May be packed again. The processing system of the present invention may include a processing line where a number of processes are performed on a customer order one after another. The "automatic part" of the processing line, i.e. the automatic processing line, comprises devices for automatically processing customer orders.

The control means of the processing system preferably accesses storage means to check the order instructions and to determine whether the instructions can be automatically processed by the processing system. The processable instruction list and / or the processable instruction sequence are preferably stored in the storage means. The control unit compares the instruction of the processing information with the stored instruction or instruction sequence.
Based on this comparison, the control means determines and evaluates whether the processing information for the associated customer order can be automatically processed. Further, the control means determines which instruction of the processing information should be automatically executed, and at what stage of processing the corresponding customer order should be separated from the part of the processing line designated for automatic processing, It also conveniently determines which ones should be processed semi-automatically or manually.

Conveniently, the identified customer orders or components thereof, such as negative films, print webs, CDs, envelopes, wallets, etc., are transported semi-automatically or automatically to a processing site by hand. At this processing site, customer orders or components thereof are processed by an operator or group of operators. Fortunately,
Multiple or multiple processing sites are provided, and each processing site is assigned to a number of special processing tasks. Preferably, the control means determines which processing site is most suitable for performing the processing task (instruction).

Advantageously, a distribution table is stored in the storage means for this purpose. This distribution table maps the processing tasks (for the performed instructions) to different processing sites. If the indication that the processing cannot be performed automatically specifies a special processing task, the control means accesses the allocation table and, based on the allocation table, determines to which site the corresponding customer order or its components should be sent. I do. The term "send"
When it relates to a physical component such as a print, it may mean "to convey", and when it relates to digital data such as photographic data, it may mean "to transmit".

Different levels of difficulty may be assigned to at least some of the different processing sites, with each processing site having a particular level of difficulty being able to process the same or lower difficulty level processing tasks. In this way, the available processing sites and the skills of the operators at these processing sites can be optimally used. It is preferable to transport customer orders to be processed at one processing site to the processing site that has the lowest possible difficulty level that can execute the required instructions.

Additionally or alternatively, processing tasks may be categorized based on the type of processing to be performed, for example, cutting, packing, image processing, and the like. One category is assigned to one processing site. The control means determines which category the different processing tasks belong to, which are defined by the processing information, and sends the corresponding customer order to the appropriate processing site. The allocation of categories to processing tasks and processing sites may be stored in a memory accessible by the control means.

The classification of processing tasks facilitates the modular structure of the processing system of the present invention and may be applied to automated processing equipment by assigning one category to one automated processing site. In particular, the same category (e.g., packing) to reduce the transport distance of customer orders and facilitate processing site replacement by automatic processing equipment, replacement of automatic processing equipment, and / or updating of control programs for processing equipment. Special automatic processing equipment and semi-automatic processing sites belonging to the above) may be locally grouped.

Preferably, the processing system of the present invention is also used for quality control and quality control. For example,
A detector (eg, a camera) may monitor whether components of the customer order are being processed correctly.
For example, it is possible to monitor whether the quality of the print cutting or the quality of the print filling in the envelope is sufficient. If an error or unacceptable quality is detected, the corresponding customer order is identified by control means and transported to an appropriate processing site, for example to a site where skilled professionals are assigned, by these specialists. Errors or poor quality may be handled.

Conveniently, the method of the present invention for processing a customer order with its corresponding processing information is implemented by or with the aid of a program running on a computer, workstation or the like and controlling a processing system.

The invention further relates to a computer program product, for example a storage medium for storing a computer program, the storage medium storing said program. The storage medium may be a CD, DVD, floppy disk, or the like. The present invention also includes provision of a program via the Internet.

[0040]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Certain features of different embodiments may be combined.

As shown in FIG. 1, customer order 20 is provided to processing system 100. A processing order is specified for each customer order. The processing information describes how the customer order must be processed by the processing system 100. In the processing system, the components of the customer order to be processed are directed to the pallet 10. These pallets 1
A zero can be recognized based on the same mark, or a matchcode, such as a barcode, for example, so that one particular pallet can be associated with one particular customer order 20. This particular customer order 2 according to the invention
While processing a zero, the movement and progress of this customer order can be monitored based on the mark specified on the particular pallet 10.

The processing system 100 includes a control means 30, a memory 40, an automatic processing device 60, and a semi-automatic processing site 70.
And transportation or transportation means 50.

When customer order 20 enters the processing system at input 11, it may be partially processed.
In addition, the customer order is output 90 at processing system 10
When exiting zero, it may already have been completely processed, but imperfect processing by the processing system is also within the scope of the present application.

The customer order entering the processing system at input may be, for example, in the form of a working envelope containing a film cartridge having a negative film therein. If the customer order has already been partially processed, the customer order may include another component when entering the processing system 100. For example, a customer order may consist of a sequence of prints on a print web and a sequence of negative images (photos) incorporated into a film web.
FIG. 2 described below relates to the case where a film web and a print web enter the processing system.

The processing information may simply be entered into the processing system at the input of the control means 30 by the operator, who reads the information and connects it to the processing system using a keyboard and an input aid application program. Input to computer. Alternatively, automatic reading of the processing sheet may be used. If the processing system involves the processing of a customer order that has already been partially processed, the processing information is preferably already digitized and provided to the control means.

A further alternative or additional option is that the customer order includes a mark (barcode) that is read by a detector, sensor, or the like. These marks are used to provide control means, ie, central control means 30 and / or control means for individual automatic processing devices 60, and / or processing information read by detectors or sensors for supply to semi-automatic processing sites 70. Can be represented. At the semi-automatic processing site 70, a current processing order to be processed by the operator for the current customer order may be displayed on a screen.

Preferably, before or at each of the devices 60, a special matching code is provided for each component of the customer order. The actual location of the customer order components can be monitored, and the customer order components, eg, designated film portions, print portions, envelopes, etc., can be specified with one another. Also, each pallet 10 is designated as an order or the like in order to monitor and control ongoing designated customer orders and the components designated in those customer orders. A central controller, e.g., a computer and / or server, can control the matching operation and, preferably, according to the specified customer order and / or specified matching codes associated with its components, specific customer orders and / or And / or the entire system 10
Processing information can be assigned to a specific processing device 60 of 0.

Finally, the processing information and the image data may be received completely digitally, for example via the Internet. In this case, the customer order may be composed of digitized image (photograph) data and a header indicating processing information.

When customer orders are received at the processing system, these customer orders are transported by transport means (eg, an endless belt). For example, the transport means transports customer orders (eg, print webs and film webs) to automated processing equipment (eg, film web cutters and print web cutters). The automatic processing device issues an instruction to the print unit (film web, print web). For example, the film web and print web are cut into the format as indicated. The instructions are provided centrally by control means for monitoring the position of the customer order and / or are provided by detecting marks at the edge of the print or film web.

If the customer order is digital photographic data, ie, image data, the automatic processing device is an image processing device that analyzes the image, performs color correction, and / or prints the image, for example, with a laser printer. Good.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, automatically processed components of a customer order are supplied to a pallet 10 carried by a transport means. Other automatic processing devices (dispensers) add additional items, such as wallets, envelopes, CDs, etc. to customer orders.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the memory 4
0 stores an instruction that can be automatically processed by the automatic processing device. The control means 30 checks whether or not the instruction of the specific order can be automatically processed by accessing the memory 40. If some of the instructions cannot be processed automatically, the corresponding photographic unit is supplied to the semi-automatic processing site 70 via the transport means.

For example, if the automatic processor is an apparatus for packing different components of a customer order into an envelope, and the standard envelope is too small for the item to be packed into the envelope,
The control means carries the customer ordered components to the site (semi-automatic or manual processing site) where the components are packed into a large envelope by the operator. The large envelope is then returned to the transport means 40 for further transport of the envelope for shipping.

For example, when a customer order is received as digital data, a particular automatically unhandled indication may be to combine different separate pictures into one large panoramic picture. In this case, the photographic data is sent (sent) to a semi-automatic processing site, where the operator performs the combination on a workstation with an application program and a computer. This operator is particularly skilled at combining different pictures into one large panoramic picture. Thereafter, the processing data package representing the enlarged panoramic photograph is sent back (transmitted) to the transportation means 50. For example, the transportation means (transmitting means) 50 sends (transmits) the corresponding data package to the automatic processing device 60, for example, a laser printer, where the enlarged panoramic photograph is printed.

In summary, the transport / transport means 50 shown in FIG. 1 may be a transport means for physically transporting customer orders, such as prints or envelopes, or may comprise both types of transport means. May be.

A particular advantage of the present invention is that the processing system has a flexible design. That is, modules may be added to or removed from the processing system in a flexible manner. It is only necessary to update the memory for instructions that may be performed automatically and for different automatic processing equipment and capabilities of semi-automatic processing sites. For example, a CD based on customer order photo data
Is added to the processing system, the new device 80 may be integrated into the new processing system 100 while being stored in the memory 40 to account for the new processing device. The control program may simply be updated.

FIG. 2 shows a more specific example of a processing system according to the invention. The processing system according to the present invention includes, for example, a standard HS print line, a print dual batch loader, a standard HS film line, a film dual batch loader, an index print feeder, a poly feeder, a CD dispenser, An album and various other items may be provided.

The above-mentioned print dual batch loader and film dual batch loader are systems for continuously supplying a print or a film web to a corresponding cutter, respectively. This device offers the possibility to load two rolls of print or film. When the first roll is completed, the trailing edge of the first roll is automatically connected to the leading edge of the second roll.
The advantage of this is that the presence of the operator is not required at the moment when the first roll ends, and the operator can load the next roll at any time during the processing of the previous roll. Even if the roll is an entire batch,
Alternatively, it may be a part of a multi-roll batch.

Normally, the HS print line is a high-speed print line, and is composed of a print cutter that performs the following functions and steps. First, the print is cut using punch marks as a reference to separate it from adjacent orders. Next, a photo order or a customer order is identified by reading the matching code. A matching code is information used by the system control software to assign a print to the rest of the order. By decoding the left and right positions of the punch mark,
Identification is performed. Thereafter, the format of each print is identified, the prints belonging to the current order are identified, and a count is made for each format.

Further, a quality mark for separating defective and reprinted prints is recognized. Operate the print sorter,
Separate prints according to print length and quality (quality marking) (if more than one format is present in the order). Depending on the format, the print buffer offers the possibility to stack the prints output by the sorter at different levels. About five different compartments are provided. In the case of an APS order starting from the highest order, sections are specified for index print, classic format print, HDTV format print, panoramic formal print, and reprint print of any format.

The print buffer has a variable width determined by the control software to match the width of the print. The compartments or slots have different lengths, preferably determined by shock absorbers that are adjustable obstacles. These bumpers or stops have the function of achieving excellent alignment of the prints and facilitating subsequent manual or automatic insertion into a wallet or envelope.

When the cutting of the order is completed, the print is immediately buffered. To achieve an accurate drop of the index print, which may be longer than the classic format,
In addition to its normal position adjustment, a classic format shock absorber is implemented with other stops. It is only achieved when a print drop has taken place that allows further movement, for example withdrawal. The print handler is to align the prints laterally and remove the print stack from the buffer and to correct their orientation according to the needs of the next functional unit, such as a pallet interface or automatic wallet packaging. . These are components of the HS print line.

The HS or high speed film line includes a film cutter, a film stacker, and a film handler. The film cutter is to cut the film into film sections and separate adjacent orders, and the photo order is used by the system control software to align the film with its alignment code, i.e., the rest of the customer order. Identified by reading the information. The identification is performed by decoding a barcode or the like printed on the film joining portion.

The film stacker is for stacking film sections in order to prevent scratches on the film negative and to avoid contact between the film sections during superimposition. The width of the film stacker is automatically adjusted under the control of the system software, depending on the film type and the presence of the tab. A tab is a paper web attached to the side of the film.
Self-adjustment can also be achieved based on a reordered web paper web attached to the side of the film, a cooperative film section of the film already cut during previous processing.

When the cutting of the order is completed, the film section is immediately buffered.

The film handler receives the entire film cut into sections from the stacker and corrects their orientation according to the needs of the next functional unit, for example, a pallet interface or automatic wallet packaging.

Finally, the polyfeeder is a multi-directional dispenser for advertising materials such as single sheets, folded sheets, brochures, and other flat materials. The polyfeeder can match a set of objects that can change from order to order under the control of system software according to data provided by the customer and / or photo shop, such as processing information.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the processing system. As an automatic processing device, the processing system includes a wallet feeder 610 for a large wallet and a wallet feeder 620 for a small wallet. A wallet is one in which cut prints and films are packed. Also provided as an automatic processing device is a cutter for cutting a film web into an appropriate format according to processing information. Further, a cutter 640 for a print map is provided as an automatic processing device.

The film web and print web represent a sequence of customer orders received in the processing system shown in FIG. Another automatic processing device is an envelope feeder 65.
0.

The pallet 510 is transported by the transport means 500, for example, in a circular shape.

The pallet 510 is preferably assigned to processing information. Preferably, the pallet is marked, for example, by a barcode. In this way, the assignment of pallets to processing information can be controlled during pallet transport. The pallet is filled with a large wallet by the wallet feeder 610 or a small wallet by the wallet feeder 620 according to the processing information to which the pallet is assigned. Thereafter, the section of the negative film web assigned to the processing information is supplied to the pallet. Subsequently, the corresponding prints assigned to the same processing order are supplied by the cutter 640 to the same pallet.

In the last step, the envelope feeder 6
50 is sent to a pallet tray. At this stage, the pallet and all items in the pallet represent a nearly completed customer order. If the control means evaluates that the photographic unit can be processed by an automatic wrapping machine (not shown), the customer order may be transferred to the wrapping machine. Otherwise, the pallet will be stored at the semi-automatic processing site 710, 720 or 7
30 and is packed by the operator with different items in the pallet. The operator can return the packed completed customer order to the transport means 500 for transporting the package to a location ready for shipping.

The palette 510 is assigned to specific processing information. After the pallets are packed with different items,
Some processing instructions must still be performed on the item and / or its pallet, especially packing the item into a wallet or performing some cutting tasks. The control means, based on the distribution table,
Determine which of the processing sites 710, 720 and 730, for example, has a corresponding operator with a difficulty level suitable for the remaining processing tasks. When the control system determines a suitable processing site, the control system controls the transport means 500 so that the corresponding pallet is transported to the processing site with the appropriate difficulty level. If another difficulty level processing task remains and must be performed, the customer order is carried to the next processing site of the appropriate difficulty level.

If the processing site is not active or the operator is not at that site 710, 720 and 730, all orders that cannot be processed automatically can be first shipped to an intermediate storage space. All orders collected in the interim storage space can be sent to the site for completion when the site later commences activities.

The processing system of the present invention comprises a processing device 200, described in particular in FIG. 6, which comprises the following sections. Cutting means or print cutter for cutting a part of the web of photographic prints belonging to one customer order into sections of different length, said sections representing photographic images and / or index prints, printed according to their length Classification means or print buffer for classifying sections into different sections of the buffer, where said sections have one section on top of the other section, and each section of the section falls onto the collecting means due to gravity And
Release means in the print buffer, the top section being an index print, assigned to each section to release these sections, so that the collection means collects the released sections ordered according to their length. That can have larger dimensions than the smaller prints in the penultimate top section, so that when the index prints are released, they can fall on the stack of collected prints. The bumping means provided to stop the small size print must be retracted. The bumping means 220 for other print dimensions is usually fixed and cannot be moved.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of still another embodiment of the present invention. Like reference numbers represent the same parts or devices as shown in FIG. The same applies to FIGS. 4 and 5. Accordingly, those components or devices described with reference to FIG. 2 will not be discussed in the description with reference to FIGS.

In FIG. 3, in addition to the one shown in FIG. 2, a device 645 is available, which serves to supply different types of additional items, for example CDs, advertising materials, index prints and the like.

The embodiment of FIG. 3 has a slightly lower level of automation and therefore requires at least one operator 710 or 720 with very high skill. On the other hand, this embodiment is very flexible because highly trained operators can handle very special or unique customer orders.

The embodiment of FIG. 3 operates such that a central computer, which organizes the processing of a large number of customer orders, identifies such special orders and identification codes on the pallet 510. From different devices 610, 630... Located along the conveyor path 500, according to the processing information stored by the central computer or lab server, according to the identification code of this pallet, which at this stage is also the identification code for special customer orders. Some items are assigned to this palette. This central computer or lab server organizes the customer order process flow in the photo lab. Further, processing information for the operator, which informs the operator of a special customer order processing method, can be added to the instruction paper.

All items placed on the designated pallet 510 after the last device 650 are finally directed to one of the operators 710, 720.

The central computer stores complexity information, which is positioned on a particular pallet and indicates whether the processing of the specified customer order is somewhat complicated, so that the central computer can process more complex customer orders. An operator with a high level of technology, for example 71
0 and can route customer orders that are easy to process to operators with low level of skill. With this complexity information, a corresponding switch or guide arrangement in the path of the conveyor device 500 is activated to direct the corresponding pallet to either operator 710 or operator 720 (or another operator, if present). be able to.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment with a high level of automation. An additional conveyor path 550 is located in addition to the conveyor 500. Devices 610-640 are preferably prepared for inserting all items associated with customer orders that can be automatically processed into one type of wallet, which is supplied by either wallet feeder 610 or wallet feeder 620. After all items belonging to one customer order have been assigned to the corresponding wallet, the completed wallet 560 can be provided to a customer order storage location 570 to be shipped, such as a photo shop or the customer himself.

If a particular customer order cannot be processed via an additional conveyor path or cannot be processed completely, the pallets 5 transported to the operators 710, 720
You can hand over the item to 10 and complete it. Of course, the operators 710, 720 may have different levels of skill, and the central lab computer may
The switch in front of the operator can be controlled according to the complexity information associated with 10 and the corresponding customer order.

The embodiment according to FIG. 5 has the additional conveyor path 55 so that additional operations can be covered automatically.
It has a higher level of automation than the embodiment of FIG. 4 in that many devices are located at zero or within range. However, in principle, this embodiment also operates as described above, especially in view of the embodiments of FIGS.

[0085]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a photo lab with a high customer order processing capability so that the photo lab can fulfill a special request or instruction of a customer or a photo shop. A customer order processing method can be provided. Further, a processing system for such a photo lab can be provided. Ultimately, a program that implements such an inventive method,
A program product provided with this program can also be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a processing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a processing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a further embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic elevation view showing a further embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic general view showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a processing apparatus applicable according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Pallet 20 Customer order with processing information, or customer order data via, for example, the Internet 30 Control means 40 Memory 50 Transport / transport means 60 Automatic processing unit 70 Processing site, Level 1 72 Processing site, Level 2 74 Processing site Level 3 90 Output of processed customer order

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A photo processing method in a photo lab by a photo processing system, wherein each customer order comprises at least one photographic image, and accepts a customer order and processing information respectively assigned to the customer order. And controlling the processing of the customer order according to the specified processing information, further comprising: checking each processing information to determine whether the processing information can be automatically processed by the processing system. And identifying customer orders to be processed according to processing information that cannot be automatically processed. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the processing information includes an instruction, and the check is performed by comparing the order instruction with a stored instruction list that can be automatically executed by the processing system. Item 1. The method according to Item 1. 3. If the customer order is identified as not automatically processable, signaling a special signal; and marking the customer order to indicate that it cannot be processed automatically. Separating customer orders that cannot be processed automatically from customer orders that can be processed automatically and / or processing customer orders that cannot be processed automatically with the help of at least one operator. The method of claim 1, wherein: 4. When the processing information includes a large number of instructions, at least one of which is an instruction that cannot be automatically processed,
Checking for each instruction whether the instructions can be performed automatically by the processing system without the assistance of an operator and performing at least some of these automatically executable instructions with the processing information. The method of claim 1, wherein: 5. The instructions required to fully implement the processing information are not automatically executed by the processing system by sending a customer order to at least one processing site, wherein the instructions are executed with the aid of at least one operator. The method of claim 4, wherein the instructions are performed on a customer order. 6. A plurality of said processing sites having at least one operator, wherein any one of said plurality of processing sites and / or which of said operators performs a special automatically unexecutable instruction. The method of claim 5, analyzing the instructions that cannot be automatically executed as to what is best to do. 7. Automatically processing the customer order, checking the customer order for processing errors, and transporting the erroneous customer order to an appropriate processing site designated for error processing. The method of claim 5, wherein 8. Each customer order comprises a film unit of a developed photographic film, a print unit of a print made by printing the photographic image on photographic paper, and a film unit and a corresponding print unit. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein each processing information is specified in a customer order comprising: the corresponding print unit comprising a number of photographic image prints of a corresponding film unit. 9. The method according to claim 9, wherein the photographic film and / or the print is received in the form of a web, and one of the plurality of processes performed by the processing system is a process of cutting the web into sections, and wherein at least one photograph is provided. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein each section specified in the image and the size or format of each section is limited by the specified order. 10. One of the plurality of processes performed by the processing system is a process of packing the developed photographic film and print in one package, and the selection of the film and print to be packed in the same package is specified. The method according to claim 9, wherein the method is limited by the processed information. 11. A process in which one of the plurality of processes is a process of adding an appendix to the package, and whether or not the appendix is to be added and the type of the appendix are specified for the film and print in the package. The method of claim 10, wherein the method is limited by information. 12. While processing the customer order in the processing system, monitor the progress of the components of the customer order and assign the components to one another to complete the customer order, for example, preferably on a pallet or the like. 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein a special matchcode is assigned to each component of the customer order including the support means. 13. A processing system for processing a photograph, particularly in a photo lab, for implementing the method of claim 1, wherein each customer order comprises at least one photographic image, wherein the customer order and the customer order A unit for receiving processing information specified for each order, and control means for controlling the processing of customer orders in accordance with the specified processing information, further comprising: Check means for checking each processing information in order to check whether or not the processing can be automatically performed by the processing means, and identification means for identifying a customer order to be processed according to the processing information which cannot be automatically processed. Characteristic processing system. 14. A transport means for transporting pallets along a transport path, and for supplying pallets with customer-ordered components such that only one customer-ordered component is supplied to one pallet. A plurality of supply means, and the control means designates each pallet to which these components are supplied in the processing information corresponding to the photographic unit to which the components of the pallet belong, and automatically Wherein said control means controls said transport means such that these pallets specified in orders that cannot be processed are separated from the portion of the transport path allocated to automatic processing without the need for operator assistance. The processing system according to claim 13, wherein: 15. A cutting means for cutting a portion of a web of photographic prints belonging to one photographic unit into sections of different lengths, wherein said sections represent photographic images and / or index prints; Another compartment is arranged on one compartment, according to its length, a classifying means for classifying the sections into different compartments, and releasing the section of each compartment so that it falls by gravity onto the collecting means, Said collecting means comprising a photographic material processing device comprising: a release means assigned to each section for collecting the released sections ordered according to its length, wherein the top section is the smaller print. Provided for index prints that can have larger dimensions, when index prints are released, index 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the bumping means provided for stopping the small size prints must be retracted so that the prints can fall on the stack of collected prints. Processing system. 16. The method of claim 1 when run on a computer that is part of a processing system in a photo lab, or when loaded on said computer, causing the computer to perform or cause the method to be performed. Program that can be. 17. A computer program product comprising the program according to claim 16.